Champions Blazers clash with MSC and Sliders in hunt for maximum points

GRA's Esther Dede (L) is challenged by Blazers Georgina Lumumba during a past match at City Park Hockey Stadium in Parklands, Nairobi. [File, Standard]

Reigning Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) Women's Premier League champions Blazers Hockey Club will return to action this weekend with the aim of maintaining their unbeaten run.

The record titleholders have two matches lined up this weekend against Mombasa Sports Club (MSC) and bitter rivals Sliders Hockey Club. A double victory will see them firm their grip on top of the table and remain on course to retain their title. They have 10 points from three wins and a draw. Today, they take on MSC and then clash with Sliders tomorrow.

Former champions Strathmore University Scorpions will be in Kisumu to take on Kisumu Queens and Lakers Hockey Club and Kisumu Simba Club. They will be looking to recover from last weekend's dull show that saw them drop five points in their 1-2 loss to Amira Sailors and a barren draw to United States International University of Africa (USIU-A) Spartans. The Scorpions must return to winning ways to position themselves as top contenders for this season's trophy.

However, they face an uphill task against the lakeside outfits that are currently placed second and third, tied on 10 points with Blazers. Though new to the top tier, Kisumu Queens have proved that they are no pushovers, forcing a barren draw against revered Blazers, winning three, and losing one to Lakers. Lakers, who have also played five, winning three, drawing one, and losing one, will entertain Twinkle Hockey Club today.

USIU-A Spartans, who have only secured a point in their last four outings, will be out to redeem themselves when they play MSC tomorrow and Amira Sailors on Monday. Spartans suffered three straight losses at the hands of Kisumu Queens, Lakers and Sliders before salvaging a point from last weekend's goalless draw with Scorpions.

In the Men's Premier League title chase, former champions Kenya Police will lock horns with Wazalendo Hockey Club at their Mathare Depot ground. The law enforcers who have been blowing hot and cold this season will be hoping to build on their 1-0 away win against Daikyo Hockey Club to overcome Wazalendo and register their third win. Winless KCA University will be hoping to finally get it right when they take on Parklands Sports Club and USIU-A men today and tomorrow, respectively.